§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will now review the law whereby it is necessary to have a licence to hold gold coins; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HigginsI have nothing to add to the statement I made on 17th July, 1970, in reply to a similar Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead (Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg).—[Vol. 803, c. 273.]
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many licences for the holding of gold coins have been issued since the scheme commenced; how many have been refused; and what is the cost of administering this system of licences.
§ Mr. HigginsNine thousand five hundred and fifteen licences have been granted to individuals wishing to hold gold coins; 4,040 have been refused. The cost of administering the gold coin control is reflected in the fee paid to the Bank of England for the administration of exchange control and is not separately identified.